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My wife and I had heard about Alisal Ranch for years from friends and our second honeymoon was our opportunity to make our first visit. Absolutely magnificent! I don't know where to start. The food, atmosphere, ambiance and available activities are terrific; particularly if you are looking for a laid-back and relaxing environment. Lot's of things to do, but no pressure to do them,Meal portions are almost overwhelming; (trenchermen rejoice!), but the food is an adventure and quite good!Our contacts with all staff were very positive and we felt we were treated like royalty.

Stayed November 2013, traveled as a couple

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Ask Dale H about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I called to inquire about availability and it was like I was bothering this person. This is a RESORT, you will receive questions about availability and the like. If you can't be friendly, don't answer the phone and fine another job. This completely turned me off. If they treat people like this over the phone, I wonder how they will treat people who stay at their facility!

Stayed November 2013, traveled with family

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Ask boragirl123 about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

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DaveLautensack, General Manager at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, responded to this review,
December 24, 2013

Thank you for taking the time to comment on the service that you received upon contacting our Reservations Department. We sincerely apologize if one of our associates was less than professional or courteous. We strive to offer the best customer service at all times, however, we must have fallen short on this occasion. We have a wonderful ranch with many exciting activities that we would love for you to experience. Please come and visit us and give us a chance to demonstrate the service for which the Alisal has been known for the past 67 years. We can do better and will. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

My family stayed at Alisal twice in recent years. We loved the horse back riding, air soft, archery, golf and great gym. The rooms and decor are a throw back to the 1960's -- and unfortunately I'm not sure they have been remodeled since then. It is a wonderfully relaxing place, just beware that the rooms are outdated and bathrooms a bit moldy. Hopefully you will be out enjoying the outdoors and won't spend much time in your room.

Room Tip: Ask for a room with a new bathroom.

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Stayed December 2012, traveled with family

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Ask Jsun1 about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

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We stayed here on the "Round Up Package" which includes meals, golf and horse riding. The meals were excellent but a bit excessive in volume. The golf courses are in first class condition and the trail riding is second to none. All of the staff will go out of their way to help you. Most of the guests are regulars who keep coming back year after year. The one piece of advice that I would give to anyone going for the horse riding is to get yourself up to a level where you can comfortably lope (canter) as you will then be in a group that explores a lot more of the property and you will see some magnificent sights. These horses can climb like mountain goats. We cannot wait to return. Before booking we read negative reports about the rooms. They are rustic but with quality fittings and simple furniture. First class bed and bathroom. As long as you do not expect the Ritz Carlton you will be fine.

Stayed October 2013, traveled as a couple

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Ask Axecroft about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

We stayed at Alisal on our way back to Australia - we wanted to show our children a different side of the USA and what a way to do it! I can't explain how you can do so much yet feel so relaxed at the same time. We were very lucky that the Australian school holidays coincided with low season in the US - lucky us! We pretty much had the place to ourselves, yet the service, the food, the sense of adventure, the atmosphere, was still incredible. The staff bent over backwards to make our stay memorable. I cannot recommend Alisal more highly - and we will be back as soon as possible.

Stayed October 2013, traveled with family

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Ask Balmaingirl67 about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

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Staying at Alisal is like stepping back in time. It starts when you walk into your casita which feels like walking into Grandmas's house in the 60's. The room smells of a smokey fireplace...which is oddly refreshing since so many properties now use gas fireplaces. Although there is no air conditioning our casita was wonderfully cool even in the 90 degree weather. The bed is very comfortable and the room is equipped with a refrigerator and well stocked toiletries. We were there at a very slow time for them, so although that meant not a lot of other guests to deal with, it also meant that some services were scant. The restaurant/bar by the pool was closed, however the front desk was extremely accommodating in getting us food and drinks to have by the pool. The horseback riding was awesome. The wranglers are all so friendly and helpful. My husband had no horse experience and was trotting on his horse by the end of our stay. The breakfast ride is a must. You ride for an hour and see such beautiful landscape. We saw a bob cat, deer and even tarantulas (it was their breeding season). Then you eat breakfast at an old adobe in the middle of the 10,000 acres. They serve a wonderful hot breakfast and even have a cowboy singer entertaining you by the campfire. Such a great experience. The only disappointment is their spa/fitness center. They have a beautiful building and list a variety of classes on their website, but this time and before when I even stayed there in the summer at peak season there were no classes. They do not have a regular spa staff and they have to call in therapists for any services you may want, so it all needs to be arranged a day prior. They did arrange a private yoga session for me, but it did cost me $100 and I'm not sure it was worth the price tag, since the website states their classes are only $15.00. All and all....come for the horseback riding!!

Room Tip: All rooms are private casitas. I can't imagine staying in one that wouldn't be well located...

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Stayed September 2013, traveled as a couple

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Ask shrink711 about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

We first started going to The Alisal about 15 years ago. Thank God this place does not change with time. This is a working cattle ranch about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, next to President Ronald Reagan's old ranch.

The bungalows are comfortable but basic - no air conditioning, TV, phone or wifi. Some will be disappointed but most will be delighted: a real chance to get away from it all! The are plenty of things to do such as horseback riding, archery, air rifles and fishing for starters. The bungalow interiors and pool are a throwback to the 70s but don't let that fool you. Breakfast and dinner are included and the food is delicious and the service superb. The portions are generous and I've never felt hungry at lunchtime.

We've been at The Alisal during various times of the year. I would recommend avoiding summer, as things can get hectic from all the families with kids. If you can, go right before school gets out or shortly after it resumes. At those times, the ranch is more peaceful and relaxing and the staff is able to be more flexible and attentive to the guests.

Stayed September 2013, traveled as a couple

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Ask Jim O about Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

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The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and renowned Santa Barbara County wine country. Privately owned and operated since 1946, the Alisal is a working cattle ranch and full-service resort. This historic ranch is one of four original Spanish land grants on the west coast given to conquistador Raimundo Carrillo in the late 1700’s. Today, the romance and majesty of the old west remain in the wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty of the Alisal. They serve as a reminder of simpler times and as an invitation to those with a taste for adventure. As California's premier guest ranch, the Alisal transports guests back to a bygone era. Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, this one-of-a-kind resort blends the best of nature with exceptional golf, horseback riding, tennis, fishing on a 100-acre private lake, fitness center and spa, children's activities, barnyard activities and fine dining....more less

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Also Known As:

Alisal Guest Ranch Hotel Solvang

Alisal Guest Ranch And Resort

Alisal Hotel Solvang

Alisal Resort Solvang

Alisal Ranch Solvang

The Alisal Guest Ranch

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